Only Takes a Second

Spring time is upon us and there are plenty of obstacles to challenge a cyclist. Especially being cooped  up indoors for several weeks. That excitement of just being able to get on the road or mutli-use trail is overwhelming.
You can be sailing down a canyon road and hit that pot hole that you overlooked. On a multi-use trail, just missing that runner that turned around right in front of you. Or reaching for your cell phone as you are heading down the road or path at a fast pace.

Lastly in a group ride, trying to catch up to the group and not really paying attention to whats around you. Next thing you know, your flat on the ground and the bike is either functional or in several pieces.

We all have found ourselves in a similar situation. It's easy to overlook safe cycling skills in any of these examples. Over the years, leading off rides for RMCC, I have seen it all. Returned back to get in the vehicle, to collect a person and bike or in a few cases just the bike parts. I guess I really didn't wish to ride that day.

As we begin the season each year, it's easy to get sucked in the excitement of a group ride. Will I be able to keep up with the group? At what cost? What happens if I get dropped?

The bottom line, is that we all should take a moment and really think about where we are riding. What is the best or safest speed for that current route? Do I really know this route well enough to push my skill level to the max? Would I  also chance to endanger another person or persons?

There will always be hazards out on the road or multi-use trails that will challenge you. As a cyclist it really is important know the rules of the road. To practice good cycling skills. That goes for riding with a group or pace line as well. Learn to ride safe and safely. Remember that if you are with a weekend club training ride or weekday evening event. You represent the club or group that you are with.

Happy Trails,
Rick

Volunteering 2015

Volunteering 2015

I  remember my first ride with RMCC. I knew no one, but I liked to ride.  I had read about the ride online and showed up with some trepidation.

The ride leader was confident and friendly and asked if anyone was new.  He had us introduce ourselves, welcomed the newcomers to the group, and explained the ride.

His friendliness made me feel welcome and encouraged me to come back.  That is how I became involved in RMCC.

When Brent and I did our first 1200 the weather was deplorable!  It ahs since been referred to as the "100 years rain" on the plains.  We got back to Anton and I was freezing, wet and pre-hypothermic.

Standing by his car with a huge pot of Italian wedding soup on a camp stove was Eric Simmons.  He was my  "knight in shining armor". He handed me a mug of hot soup and gave me words of encouragement.  His kindness in volunteering gave me the strength to finish the ride!  I will never forget it or him!

I remember these two people distinctly.  They helped me to be a volunteer for RMCC.  Whenever I start a ride, or help with a longer event, I think about the kindness and encouragement that was given to me.

There is a joy in giving back, in taking time to help and ecourage others.  Whether it is starting a ride and welcoming someone new, or being a smiling face with a warm meal when someone is exhausted, volunteering is very rewarding!

You can be the memorable one!  The one who makes someone feel welcome on their first ride.  The one who acts as a strong ride leader.  The one who gives positive energy to someone who is drained in a longer event.

It is easy and quite rewarding to volunteer.  This year we are even giving back to the volunteers with an awesome jersey!  It can be earned easily, just by helping with leading rides or volunteering for longer events.

More than the jersey, you will get the joy and satisfaction of helping others.  You will help others by giving back.  You will help keep the vitality of RMCC.  But most of all, you will help yourself.

To find out more about volunteer opportunities and how you can earn your awesome jersey contact one of the following:

Brent Myers     ride leader coordinator

John Lee Ellis   Brevet coordinator

Mark Lowe  Challenge Series

7 Points.  That's all it takes to earn our cool new jersey.

Ride leaders earn 1 pt for every ride start

Start a brevet and earn 2 points

Volunteer for Mark's Triple Crown events earn 3 points

1200K events earn 4 points per day

This is just a small way of rewarding our volunteers.  We want to recognize the efforts that you put in to help make this a special club.

Wednesday Evening Rides 2015

Hi All.....

With the time change coming next Month, a new year starts for the"Wednesday Evening Ride".  This will be my 17th year leading this event; time flies when you're having fun. This week appears to be rather cool; so as our weather improves hopefully we will be able to get out these coming weeks.

Again, I plan on either dividing the group up or keep together, depending on how large a group we have that night.

I have found that we have lost a few people this last year, because of the fast pace.  By dividing the riders up, hopefully this will accomplish  better riding groups. We are also going to promote safe cycling skills during these rides. This means maintaining safe speeds in multi-use areas, pointing out hazards along the way to other cyclist in the group and obeying the rules of the road (which I am guilty. This is still considered a social ride and I would like to think we can strive to maintain this. 

I well continue to change the designated route each week. So, if you miss a week, you may also loose out riding your favorite route.

After each evening ride, people have the option of going to Hanson's Grill and Tavern, on the corner of Louisiana and Pearl St. As RMCC members and our "Wedsnesday Evening Riders, we will continue to receive 15% off non-special ordered items. This restaurant has worked out very well for us.

If you have questions, feel free to call or email me.

Lets make this another great year for cycling.

Happy Trails,

Rick

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